Awesome aerial adventures, alluring land odysseys and sensational sea escapades are just some of the exciting experiences you can enjoy.

And it gets better. These attractions are even more delectable thanks to local food and drinks. Sample tasty wines, locally brewed beers and refreshing ciders as well as delicious fresh produce wherever you go.

Sounds amazing, doesn’t it? Here are some fantastic activities to make this summer one to remember.

LAND

Totally wild

Just a 20-minute drive from the heart of Adelaide lies a serene wildlife sanctuary. Have your photo taken with a koala, hold a snake or lizard, feed the pelicans and had breakfast with the birds – these are just some of the delightful experiences you can enjoy. Animal feeding times are conveniently staggered, so you can fit in as many as possible. Cleland Wildlife Park is home to the state’s only butterfly enclosure and offers a rare insight into the insect world with its Mini Beasts tour. When the sun goes down, take a guided night walk for a glimpse into the secret life of nocturnal animals.

Jurassic underground

South Australia’s only UNESCO World Heritage-listed site is more than 530,000 years old. The Naracoorte Caves tell the unique story of our prehistoric age with its naturally preserved fossil deposits of megafauna like the giant kangaroo and wombat, and the marsupial lion.

Explore four incredible caves on guided or self-guided tours and marvel at stunning stalactites and stalagmites. Did you know it even has its own Batcave? You won’t see Batman, but you will discover the fascinating world of the critically endangered southern bent-wing bats at Blanche Cave.

On your bike!

Enjoy a scenic ride through the picturesque Clare Valley along the Riesling Trail with its stunning backdrop of vineyards, mixed farms and natural bushland. Pull over and enjoy a wine and cheese tasting at Tim Adams before riding to historic Sevenhilll Cellars for the fortified wine and chocolate experience. Finish with a pedal back down to Mr. Mick for a tapas-style lunch carefully chosen by expert staff with a deep knowledge of local wine. A visit to Murray’s Room gallery is a must for art lovers who will get the chance to view works by the late Murray Edwards –  a renowned local artist.

AIR

The Eyre up there

Bordered by the Spencer Gulf, Great Australian Bight and Gawler Ranges triangle, the Eyre Peninsula is famous for its spectacular seafood and magnificent marine life. Taking off from Ceduna, the oyster capital of Australia, these scenic flights offer a breathtaking bird’s eye view of the region’s natural beauty: from sweeping sand dunes to rugged outback terrain and 2000km of pristine coastline. Stunning salt lakes steal the show, especially the incandescent pink waters of Lake MacDonnell. Chinta Air offers a range of flight experiences from 30 minutes to one hour duration. A minimum of two people is required for each flight.

Choose your own balloon adventure

With its sweeping vistas, lush vineyards and historic townships, the Barossa is blessed with gorgeous views – and a hot air balloon ride is a truly unique way to soak it all up. Launching at sunrise, this one-hour flight offers breathtaking 360-degree views of the world-famous wine region for up to 16 passengers. Looking for a more hands-on experience? Join the Barossa Balloon Adventures crew for the day, helping out with launch preparation, take off, landing and pack up. Top off the memorable morning with a delicious champagne breakfast overlooking the picturesque Penfolds Stonewall vineyards.

Get to the chopper!

The Fleurieu Peninsula is one of the most stunning spots in South Australia. There’s no better way to see the golden coastlines, vivid vineyards and rolling hills than by private helicopter tour. Spoil yourself with a decadent lunch of crisp local wine and gourmet food sourced from Fleurieu producers, or indulge in a delicious campfire dinner under the stars with your own personal chef. Helivista offers a range of experiences to suit everyone, from a short flight to a short stay with its ‘Flight & Stay’ packages. They can pick you up and drop you off at wineries, accommodation and restaurants across the region.

SEA

Good times on the river

Cruise the River Torrens like never before! Enjoy cold drinks and delicious barbecue during a relaxing two-hour ride aboard a floating donut that seats up to ten people. The menu includes a selection of local wine, beer and cider plus cheese and charcuterie platters. With barbecue packages also offering gluten free, vegan and vegetarian options, BBQ Buoys caters for everyone. This funky boat ride is perfect for any occasion or celebration, from birthday parties to team bonding exercises. So, get a group together and head down to the Torrens for a great day out. FYI – no BYO drinks.

Swimming with sea life

The thrilling Island Explorer Tour lets you get up close and personal with marine wildlife along the dazzling north coast of Kangaroo Island. During the three-hour tour, you have the unforgettable opportunity to swim and play with wild bottlenose dolphins in protected waters. If you prefer, stay anchored in the boat and eavesdrop on dolphin chatter via a hydrophone (underwater microphone). Marvel at seals, sea eagles and osprey as you pass through an ancient fossil bed that is more than 540 million years old, then relax with a scrumptious morning tea on a remote beach before heading home.

Something fishy

Renowned for its wonderful wetlands and personable pelicans, the Coorong is also home to a thriving fishing industry. Coorong Wildside hosts Glen and Tracy Hill take you behind the scenes of a seafood factory, showing you how a regional delicacy, is caught and processed. Observe how the day’s catch is received, packed and stored and watch in awe at a high-speed filleting demonstration. The cooking presentation shows off some delicious, easy-to-make recipes to take home with you. Finish a fantastic day with a tasting of in-house smoked fish and other seafood platters.